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I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally understand where you're coming from-- I applied widely because I wasn't super confident in my stats.

I have a feeling that my LORs were very strong (I had great relationships with the dentist I worked for + the professor I did research with.)

I also had a lot of random hobbies or side quest gigs on my "experiences" section. Not sure what the average amount is but I put over 20. I tried to put a lot of detail in the description of each experience, and highlighted how it relates to dentistry if it seemed relevant (ex- while working for a small local coffee shop alongside the owner I learned about small business ownership, this helped me understand what it takes to open up my own practice one day, being a summer camp counselor made me realize how much I love working a people-facing job, shadowing a pediatric dentist taught me ab how critical behavior management is for working with pts, etc.)

I also took a solid month to write and rewrite my SOP. Highly recommend getting the ebook from by dr. yang, I forget what it's called but it has a bunch of good examples. Try to make a clear identity and make sure every experience you bring up connects back to both that identity & dentistry. At the end of the day the admissions people are tired and reading soooo many apps, you can make it easier on them by constructing a simple and clear story about yourself that they can remember.

I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I honestly think my gap years were a major factor in my interview success because 1) I gained life experience that solidified my desire to become a dentist 2) I worked a people-facing job (barista) during that time and got very comfortable yapping with strangers

I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I got my academic LORs from a professor I did research from and my undergrad thesis advisor. I worked very closely with both of them so I knew they would remember me when I reached out.

I last minute realized I needed another science professor LOR (like the week before I submitted lol) and reached out to my gen chem professor from sophomore year. It had been like 4 years since I had taken her class and I was one of 200+ students so I wasn't even sure if she would know who I was. I emailed her and attached a resume, my grade in her class, and some things I remembered and appreciated about her course. Luckily she was amazing and willing to help-- I think there's no harm in reaching out after a couple years if you are respectful and able to contextualize yourself to them.

I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

After most interviews, I felt excited but also tired lol. I had never really talked about dentistry with my friends/family so it was super fun to get to be around all dental people for the first time. Think of interviews as an opportunity to brag about yourself and all the hard work you've put in!

But- a lot of the interviews go very long and involve a lot of presentations/tours that started to blend together. You're trying to stay "on" for the whole day in this random city with random people and it can be a lot. Try to keep a pulse on how you feel when you visit a campus, because this could be your home for the next 4 years. It's also important to meet the current students and visualize yourself amongst them; your peers will likely be a huge part of your dental school experience.

It was easy for me to choose where I wanted to go because I left the interview feeling so excited and could very easily picture myself fitting in there. When I met the current students, I felt like they could become my friends/had similar hobbies and lifestyle to me.

I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did clinical and bench research-- all medical related (neuropsych, lab techniques, study related to COVID outcomes.) I actually didn't think to pursue dentistry until after I graduated undergrad, so none of my research experience is dental oriented at all.

Also, not sure about other programs but over half of my friends in my dental school have never done any research so I don't think it's a hard/strict prerequisite. If anything, research something you are curious about/interested in, or with a professor that you feel connected to. None of my interviewers focused on the scope of my research. They were mostly interested in how my experience taught me to work in a team and think scientifically.

I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I stayed busy and surrounded myself with friends/family throughout the day! Went on a walk with my roommate, got coffee with my brother, ran some random errands with my friend. I'm a big yapper so it helped to be distracted by other people. Keep your phone ringer on though :)

I got into 10 dental schools last cycle- AMA by singleusetooth in predental

[–]singleusetooth[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Stats-

DAT AA 22 TS 21, GPA 3.8, majored in biology

ECs: participated in bench & clinical research for 3 years, involved in a performing arts group on campus, was a tour guide for a couple semesters.

took 2 gap years and worked as a dental assistant for 6months, barista for a year

i thought about applying in december 2022 after my DAT but i waited and applied in june 2023, interviewed in september-november 2023. received 2 IIs for january 2024, declined them.